As noted in the previous trip report, the Bishop Ridge trailhead is well before the wta.org and Hiking Project coordinates. There's a small "Bishop Ridge" road sign on the east side of the road where the trail heads up the hill, and a pullout on the west. I opted for the lower Blue Lake parking lot since I'd planned a counter-clockwise loop and didn't want to end with one last uphill slog.

Blue Lake Creek: Steep dropoffs at the beginning where the trail hugs the cliffside. which may be intimidating for some. I don't do well with exposure myself, but was able to push past. A few trees down across the trail, but all were navigable. The lake was still blue.

Jumpoff: Trenchy and dusty with large loose rocks, but that's to be expected for an Off-Road Vehicle trail. A few peekaboo views, but nothing too thrilling.

Bishop Ridge: Finally had proper views at the intersection with the Yozoo trail. There's a faint goat trail about 60 feet before the intersection that leads to an unnamed double peak with sweeping views of Tahoma, Adams, Hood, and St Helens. The Ridge part of Bishop was shaded, and didn't provide many views, but was a nice escape from the heat. The switchbacks had larger and more frequent rocks than Jumpoff, and became rather tedious to walk over at points. I can see why Bishop doesn't get much hiker traffic, and would probably just do a Blue Lake + viewpoint out-and-back next time.

This hike follows Blue Lake Creek up to its source, climbing through a mostly coniferous forest, sometimes alongside an impressive cliff on the opposite bank. Right now, there are many trees down on the trail, but nothing that can't be clambered over or around. There are patches of snow starting about two-thirds of the way up the trail, and the last quarter mile after the bridge is all snow. I couldn't see the trail at all during that final stretch but used my GPS and compass to get me to the lake. The snow was easy to walk on in standard hiking boots. Basically, as long as you're following the creek for that last quarter mile, you'll get to the lake, since that's where it starts.

The road in is pretty narrow, as others have said. I think most cars would make it up just fine, unless they have especially low clearance. The trouble would be encountering another vehicle, which I was lucky enough not to have to do. There are very few turnouts, so one of the vehicles might have to back up for a long way to get to one.

I definitely recommend this hike. It's beautiful. The trail is steep on the way up, especially during the first mile and a half. It'll get your heart beating. The downhill return felt great.

To access hiker only trailhead take Road #171, shown in Photo #4, north of Blue Lake Campground and Blue Lake ORV trailhead. Be advised the road is very narrow with lots of dips, peeks, tight turns and offers only a few spots to turn back. At the end the road though there is an open parking lot with an obvious trailhead post. A Toyota Tundra with standard clearance was here!

Great hidden gem of a trail. Very cool geologic and water features in creek canyon on way to lake, worth exploring on their own. Nice beachy area to rest by the lake next to campground. Beautiful old growth along trail, and lots of huckleberries last 1/3 of trail. Lots of nice campsites scattered along lake. 

Trail was in great condition. Road very steep and narrow to get to TH; best with high clearance, alternately 2wd and a lot of confidence.